Downtown Oshkosh alley to be transformed into public art gathering space with help of WEDC grant
OSHKOSH – Oshkosh’s Algoma Alley Activation Project in the 400 block of Main Street has received a $30,845 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
The funds will be used to add seating and lighting to the project space, Jessica Meidl, manager of the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District, said in a news release.
Algoma Alley is along the alley on Algoma Boulevard between North Main Street and Division by the 400 W. N. Main St. public parking lot. It is designed to serve as a place for community events, including pop-up art galleries and local musical groups’ weekly meetings.
Artist proposals to create eight murals for the space are being sought through July 29 by the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District and Oshkosh Art Collective. Artists can apply for mural spaces of multiple sizes at https://events.eventzilla.net/e/algoma-alley-artist-application-2138590271. Mural artists are expected to be selected and announced by Aug. 13 with murals to be completed between Sept. 1 and Oct. 23 and an artist reception set for late October or early November.
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The alley was selected for the project based on public ownership of the alley, support of the surrounding business and property owners, and the general need for improved public spaces throughout downtown Oshkosh, the project's website states.
The hope is the investment in the alley will bring visitors and future residents to the 10 businesses and 15 residential units surrounding the space.
“By beautifying and activating underutilized public spaces throughout our Central City, we are encouraging foot traffic and activity, which makes spaces like the Algoma Alley safer and more inviting for visitors and residents of downtown Oshkosh,” Meidl said in the release.
“Public art has also had such a tremendous impact on the quality of life in Oshkosh and we are excited to provide more paid opportunities to local artists that the community will be able to enjoy,” Meidl added. “Additionally, by adding seating and lighting we hope to encourage more programming and activity within the alley.”
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The Algoma Alley project is a continuation of the City of Oshkosh’s Imagine Oshkosh plan, which encourages the expansion of arts and culture in the central city area.
The theme for the alley is a "Wisconsin Native Nature Flow," which incorporates native animals, plants and other wildlife that flows from land on the eastern walls to water to air/sky on the west side of the alley.
In addition to public art, the Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District will oversee the installation of wayfinding/entry signage, lighting, 3D art, planters and seating, the project website states.
Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh Algoma Alley to add seating, lighting with WEDC grant funds
